What Library Of Michigan Foundation does

The Library of Michigan Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation established in 1985 in Lansing, Michigan, operating at PO Box 11027. Its sole mission is to raise and steward private funds on behalf of the Library of Michigan, with an emphasis on preserving Michigan history and culture, ensuring broad access to quality information, and promoting rich literary programs and life-long reading. The Foundation manages funds for the Michigan Braille and Talking Books Library, which serves over 11,000 patrons with visual or physical impairments, and supports the Martha W. Griffiths Michigan Rare Book Room and other Library of Michigan special collections.

Core programs include the Michigan Notable Books Program (annual selection of 20 books about Michigan people, places, and culture), the Night for Notables reception, and the Authors' Tour reaching 50+ libraries statewide. The Foundation also operates the State Librarian's Excellence Award, memorial funds (including the Randy Riley Memorial Fund), youth programs such as Ready to Read Michigan, and serves as the Michigan affiliate of the Library of Congress Center for the Book. Operating technology consists of a Squarespace-hosted website integrated with the Keela donation platform; no proprietary software or AI capabilities are evident.

Revenue is generated entirely through philanthropy and event-based fundraising: individual tax-deductible donations, multi-tiered corporate sponsorships for Night for Notables ($250 Friend level to $50,000+ Lake Superior five-year commitment), memorial gifts, and limited-edition merchandise. The Foundation is governed by a Board of Directors and currently staffed by two paid employees (Executive Director Sarah Shaw, joined January 2025, and Administrative Assistant Addi Walton, joined April 2025).

Name

Library Of Michigan Foundation

Legal name

Library of Michigan Foundation

Website

https://libraryofmichiganfoundation.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1985

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Library of Michigan Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation that raises and manages private funds to support the Library of Michigan's programs, rare book collections, the Michigan Braille and Talking Books Library, and statewide literary initiatives including the Michigan Notable Books Program and the annual Night for Notables celebration.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Library Support Services

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Libraries and Archives (519210)

akta.pro primary industry

Libraries, Archives & Special Collections (BPAGAHAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Arts, Culture & Humanities Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAJ), Public Libraries & Information Services (BPAIACAO)

Keywords

• Nonprofit fundraising services
• Library foundation support
• Literary program sponsorships
• Memorial and donor funds
• Cultural philanthropy services

Headquarters

HQ city

Lansing

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Tax-deductible donations from individuals supporting Library of Michigan programs. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization with EIN 38-2611742.
2. Corporate Sponsorships: Multi-tiered sponsorship program for Night for Notables event with levels from Lake Superior ($50,000+ five-year commitment) to Friend of the Library ($250-$500). Includes recognition benefits, reserved seats, and advertising in event programs.
3. Memorial Funds: Special memorial funds such as the Randy Riley Memorial Fund established to honor the late State Librarian and support library initiatives.
4. Merchandise Sales: Limited-edition merchandise (t-shirts, tote bags) with proceeds supporting Michigan Notable Books programs. Each item ordered generates $5.00 back to LMF.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Library of Michigan Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that raises and manages private funds to support Library of Michigan programs, collections, and literary services. Its core offerings include the Michigan Notable Books Program (annual recognition of 20 books), the Night for Notables celebration event, the Authors' Tour reaching 50+ libraries, and private fund management for the Michigan Braille and Talking Books Library serving 11,000+ patrons with visual or physical impairments.

Product overview

The Library of Michigan Foundation operates as a nonprofit support organization offering a portfolio of literary programs and services. The core offering is the Michigan Notable Books Program, which annually selects 20 notable books about Michigan and includes the Night for Notables Reception and Authors' Tour to 50 libraries statewide. Additional programs include the State Librarian's Excellence Award recognizing customer service excellence, the Michigan Braille and Talking Books Library fund supporting 11,000+ patrons with visual impairments, the Michigan Center for the Book promoting literacy, the Randy Riley Memorial Fund, and various collections including Michigan Materials and the Martha Griffiths Rare Book Room. The Foundation manages private funds and raises donations to support these programs beyond government funding.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Michigan Notable Books Program An annual program that selects twenty books published the previous calendar year that highlight and pay tribute to Michigan people, places, and things. Includes the Night for Notables Reception and Authors' Tour to 50 libraries across the state. Targets Michigan readers, libraries, and authors.
• Night for Notables Reception Annual celebration of Michigan Notable Books and authors held at the Library of Michigan, featuring keynote speaker, book signing, and networking opportunities. Open to attendees and corporate sponsors through multi-tiered sponsorship packages.
• Authors' Tour Tour of Michigan Notable Book authors to 50 libraries across the state to promote reading and literacy among Michigan residents and library patrons.
• Michigan Braille and Talking Books Library Fund Private funds managed by the Foundation for the Michigan Braille and Talking Books Library, which provides library services to over 11,000 patrons with visual or physical impairments.
• State Librarian's Excellence Award Annual award recognizing libraries that exemplify excellence in customer service, with a $3,000 prize and trophy for the winner and $1,000 each for Citation of Excellence recipients. Sponsored by the Mendel Family Fund.
• Randy Riley Memorial Fund Memorial fund honoring the late State Librarian Randy Riley to continue his passion for Michigan libraries and library initiatives.
• Michigan Center for the Book Michigan affiliate of the National Center for the Book at the Library of Congress, promoting awareness of books, reading, literacy, and Michigan's literary heritage.
• Michigan Materials Collection Current and historical materials focusing on Michigan and the Great Lakes, including books, microfilm, maps, and audiovisual materials, housed at the Library of Michigan.
• Martha Griffiths Rare Book Room Collection of irreplaceable rare books and special collections housed in the Library of Michigan since 1828, available by appointment.
• Ready to Read Michigan Program supporting public library services for children and teens through programming, training, and resources including the Summer Reading Program and NASA @ My Library.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 11,000 visually/physically impaired patrons served through Braille and Talking Book Library
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

14 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Michigan HumanitiesflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Honorary sponsor for 2026 Night for Notables celebration, supporting the foundation's literary programs and Michigan authors recognition.
• EBSCO Information ServicesflagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Honorary sponsor providing support for Night for Notables and Michigan Notable Books program recognition.
• Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Huron sponsor for Night for Notables. MCLS supports collaborative library services across the Midwest region.
• Michigan State University Federal Credit UnioncoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Huron sponsor for Night for Notables celebration.
• Michigan State University LibrariescoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Huron sponsor supporting literary programs and author recognition.
• Gale/CengagecoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Huron sponsor for Night for Notables and Michigan Notable Books program.
• ClarivateminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Erie sponsor for Night for Notables celebration.
• Hare CPAs + Business AdvisorsminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Erie sponsor. Brian Hare serves as Past Chair of Foundation Board.
• The Cottage Book ShopminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Erie sponsor for Night for Notables literary celebration.
• Mission Point PressminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Ontario sponsor. Doug Weaver serves as Managing Partner on Foundation Board.
• Queue AdvertisingminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lake Ontario sponsor for Night for Notables event promotion.
• Angeline BoulleycoreOthers · 1 January 20262026 Night for Notables keynote speaker, enrolled member of Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and bestselling author of Firekeeper's Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed.
• Library of MichiganflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPrimary beneficiary of foundation fundraising. The foundation supports and raises funds for the Library of Michigan to preserve Michigan history, ensure access to information, and promote literary programs.
• Michigan Braille and Talking Books LibrarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe foundation manages private funds for the Michigan Braille and Talking Books Library which serves over 11,000 patrons who are visually and/or physically impaired.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• American Library Association (ALA): National nonprofit membership and advocacy organization for libraries in the U.S. While broader than LMF, ALA serves overlapping audiences (librarians, library donors, trustees) and operates adjacent grant and recognition programs.
• New York Public Library Foundation: The explicitly cited model for the Library of Michigan Foundation. It is the private fundraising arm of NYPL with a far larger asset base, donor roster, and event portfolio, sharing the same mission of raising private funds for a flagship public/state library system.
• Library of Congress Foundation: Private fundraising entity supporting the Library of Congress, including its Center for the Book affiliate program in which LMF participates as the Michigan affiliate. Closely aligned mission and program structure to LMF.

Regional players

• Detroit Public Library Friends Foundation: A Michigan-based peer supporting public library programs within the same state. Operates within an overlapping geographic and donor ecosystem with LMF, both competing for Michigan library-philanthropy dollars.

Others

• Friends of Libraries USA (FOLUSA / United for Libraries): National nonprofit supporting Friends-of-Library groups that raise private funds for local libraries. Operates an adjacent layer in the same library-philanthropy ecosystem that LMF occupies at the state-library level.

Direct peers

• Enoch Pratt Free Library (with affiliated foundation support): Major U.S. public library with associated private fundraising efforts, comparable to LMF in combining rare/special collections, statewide programming, and donor-driven support for a legacy public library institution.
• Library Foundation of Los Angeles: 501(c)(3) fundraising arm of the Los Angeles Public Library system. Comparable scale and mission, including private donor cultivation, event-driven GTM, and literacy/program support similar to LMF's Michigan Notable Books programs.
• Chicago Public Library Foundation: Independent 501(c)(3) that raises private funds to support a large U.S. public library system, runs sponsorship-style events and recognition programs, and mirrors LMF's role as the private funding conduit for a major city/state library.
• Boston Public Library Foundation: Private foundation supporting a major public library, with comparable programming including author events, special collections, and donor recognition events analogous to Night for Notables.

Emerging players

• EveryLibrary: National 501(c)(4) political action committee for libraries, focused on ballot-measure and funding advocacy. Adjacent to LMF in mission (protecting/expanding library funding) but operates through advocacy rather than direct fundraising.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Library Of Michigan Foundation